Veteran Telugu actor Gundu Hanumantha Rao passes away at 61

Popular Telugu comedian Gundu Hanumantha Rao, aged 61, passed away during the early hours of Monday. The actor was suffering from chronic ailments of heart and kidney for quite some time and breathed his last at his residence at SR Nagar, Hyderabad.

The actor, who was facing a severe financial crisis during his last stages, was helped to an extent by the state government and actor Chiranjeevi among others.

Many film and TV actors visited Rao’s residence and expressed their condolences to his family. Comedian Brahmanandam recollected his association with the departed and broke down to tears, along with actor Sivaji Raja.

Rao made his acting debut with director Jandhyala’s Aha Na Pellanta in 1987. He went on to act in about 400 films that included the likes of Pellaniki Premalekha Priyuraliki Subhalekha, Rajendradu Gajendradu, Mayalodu, Jodi No.1, Nenu Seetamahalakshmi, Allari Alludu, Kothoka Vintha, Colors, Sri Sai Sankalpam, Mano Balam and others.

Gundu Hanumantha Rao is well renowned for his role of Anji in the famous Telugu TV series Amrutham. The series, which succeeded in distributing a fair share of laughs to the audience over the years, is still reminisced by many. Several people took to their social media portals to express how they would miss their favourite ‘Anji’ from now on.

Rao’s last rites are likely to take place Erragadda Burial Ground in SR Nagar.